End of Regular Season thoughts.

[tower912]

  If you had given me 19-11, 10-8 going in, I would have taken it.   What a long, strange trip it has been.
Places I was wrong in my pre-season thoughts about this team:
1.  The defensive rebounding has only been an occasional problem, not a constant problem.   
2.   Going in, I thought the answer to having 11 players and no height was to extend pressure, play 94 feet for 40 minutes.   Of course, I thought we would have 11 players.   And that our guys could play defense. 
3.  I historically have low expectations for freshmen.    Markus and Sam are the real deal.    Sam has competed at the 4, rarely out of position or making a poor decision.     He has been physically overmatched sometimes, but he has never stopped working.    Markus..... what can I say that hasn't been said.     
4.   I never dreamed of a scenario where MU would be the best 3 pt % team in the country.
5.   I didn't think Rowsey and Markus could play at the same time for any period of time.   
6.   I thought there would be consistent leadership from the seniors.   

Things I was right about in my pre-season thoughts. 
1.  Pick and roll defense was going to be an issue all year.       The single biggest weakness of this team.
2.   I predicted 4 losses where MU's inability to secure a late defensive rebound was a contributing factor to a loss.     I was damn close.   
3.   I thought that Wojo could grow as a coach.   I think he has.   I think he can still get better.   
4.  I thought the lack of size would hurt us defensively.     So many big bodies in the Big East.   

I have not been bored watching this team this year.  How many losses this year would you characterize as getting beat?   Not many.    MU has had chances in nearly every loss.     When the team is moving the ball and shooting well, it is just a joy to watch offensively.    It all comes down to whether MU can play enough defense and shoot well.   If the answer to both of those is 'yes', MU can compete with a whole lot of teams.   When MU plays really bad defense and goes cold...... well, then you have double digit second half leads blown and chat-board meltdowns.      Going forward, of course I a rooting for MU to be playing for a few more weeks, but honestly, if MU gets in, everything after that is house money.   

2. 

[jsglow]

Good stuff tower.

We're IN.  And all of us would have taken that on November 1st.

Sure it's all house money.  But I want me some more!

[🏀]

10 wins, gets ya in.

[🏀]

28th in KenPom. Never would have thought that this season.

[Goose]

To me the overall improvement on quick ball movement over last five games is what I will remember. Sure the shots fell, but quick and smart passing by whole squad. They are playing with a ton of confidence on the offensive side of the ball.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Expected 20 wins with 9 in the BE, and thought we needed a BET win to get off the bubble. Offense has been much better than expected and defense worse. Expected transfers as there were not enough minutes. After preseason scrimmage, it was obvious the two freshman and Rowsey would start but they all shined. Thought we would win some we weren't supposed to and lose we should have won (yes to both). Heldt is the biggest surprise and Haani the biggest head scratcher (but there is still time for him to find some lost mojo). MU is learning how to close.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

To me the overall improvement on quick ball movement over last five games is what I will remember. Sure the shots fell, but quick and smart passing by whole squad. They are playing with a ton of confidence on the offensive side of the ball.

Plus the lineup of MH, DW, KR, SH And MH-Neenah has quickly become my all time favorite.  They play D and can essentially select their three point shot

[nyg]

Had them at 8-10 and possible NIT bid.  Everything from this point on is a real treat.  Won some we might not been expected and lost some we should have won.  Probably two games net. 

Fischer not at his best, but with him on the floor, MU has a chance against anybody.

Reinhardt added stability, need another larger grad next year.

Rowsey/Howard combo very dangerous when they are on and not playing bit out of control.  Fun to watch

Hauser very impressive and will only get better.  Now actually driving to basket and along with his shooting ability will be an asset for years.

Only player bummer is Cheatham and his recent demise. 

Type of play is fun to watch, almost a UCLA/UNC run and gun.  Some recruits like this stuff.......

Just one more BE tournament win and maybe get a 9 seed, which would almost be incomprehensible a month ago.

[brandx]

5.   I didn't think Rowsey and Markus could play at the same time for any period of time.   

Biggest decision by Wojo all year. We wouldn't be dancin' otherwise.

I understand why he was hesitant and it took so long. We struggled so bad on defense that you couldn't afford 2 mini-guards. He finally realized the trade-off in skills and basketball smarts was worth it. 

[The Thing]

At the end of the game Wojo grabbed a microphone, walked over to the student section and thanked the students specifically for their support all year. I thought it was a pretty cool gesture. I for one have been advocating the "be patient" narrative with Wojo. I believe he was the right choice for this job and I have seen year-over-year progress. Looking forward to tournament play!

[tower912]

If I had said in October that MU would be successful with a line up of Heldt, Hauser, Duane, Rowsey, and Markus, would anyone have believed me?

[GoldenDieners32]

If I had said in October that MU would be successful with a line up of Heldt, Hauser, Duane, Rowsey, and Markus, would anyone have believed me?

Definitely not

[Jay Bee]

SI's projection system had Haani as our leading scorer and didn't even list Markus Howard (thus implying they believed he would average fewer than 5 ppp). It was obviously there were issued with their player projections when they were released last fall.. but yikes... they made some bad, bad calls.

[BossplayaOtto]

Good stuff Tower. I don't always agree with your takes, but generally agree with most and always look forward to your recaps. You are level-headed and knowledgeable, and clearly are passionate about Marquette hoops, like many other posters.

The season has been a ton of fun. Rarely a dull moment and some insane highs and frustrating lows, but overall a success in my view. Most of the games at BMO Harris Bradley Center games were exciting, those that chose not to attend or use their season tix really missed out on some fun experiences. Rushing the court with my two young daughters will be a memory that lasts a lifetime, as will our family being honored as Season Tix holders of the game.

Although clearly not an area of strength, Wojo has made a more concerted effort to engage with the students, season tix holders and casual fans.

The uniform rebrand was sweet. They made a nice effort to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Marquette basketball. They brought back t-shirt and giveaways which we haven't had much of in many seasons and offered new benefits for STH's in an attempt to reward, retain and build fan interest.

Most importantly, getting back to playing relevant March basketball was my #1 goal for the team this season, along with seeing continued progress towards returning to becoming a regular participant in the dance, frequenting the top 25 rankings, contending for BE titles with the ability to make sweet 16 and elite 8 runs and hopefully beyond when the pieces fall into place.

I am beyond ecstatic that we will be back in the dance after 3 frustrating seasons. Jacked for the BET too. The way this team can fill it up makes for an exciting brand of basketball and a dangerous opponent for any team when they are on.

The future looks bright with some size and athleticism coming in and a state-of-the-art, NBA arena on the horizon.

Playing with house money is a very appropriate analogy and since I will be in Vegas for our annual March madness trip, would love to see them win a game or 2 in the dance so we can all continue to enjoy the madness. I was spoiled during the S16-S16-E8 run with the team always winning while I was in Vegas and the trip hasn't been the same without Marquette in the field.

Enjoy the madness and Go Warriors!

[Eldon]

  If you had given me 19-11, 10-8 going in, I would have taken it.   What a long, strange trip it has been.
Places I was wrong in my pre-season thoughts about this team:
1.  The defensive rebounding has only been an occasional problem, not a constant problem.   
2.   Going in, I thought the answer to having 11 players and no height was to extend pressure, play 94 feet for 40 minutes.   Of course, I thought we would have 11 players.   And that our guys could play defense. 
3.  I historically have low expectations for freshmen.    Markus and Sam are the real deal.    Sam has competed at the 4, rarely out of position or making a poor decision.     He has been physically overmatched sometimes, but he has never stopped working.    Markus..... what can I say that hasn't been said.     
4.   I never dreamed of a scenario where MU would be the best 3 pt % team in the country.
5.   I didn't think Rowsey and Markus could play at the same time for any period of time.   
6.   I thought there would be consistent leadership from the seniors.   

Things I was right about in my pre-season thoughts. 
1.  Pick and roll defense was going to be an issue all year.       The single biggest weakness of this team.
2.   I predicted 4 losses where MU's inability to secure a late defensive rebound was a contributing factor to a loss.     I was damn close.   
3.   I thought that Wojo could grow as a coach.   I think he has.   I think he can still get better.   
4.  I thought the lack of size would hurt us defensively.     So many big bodies in the Big East.   

I have not been bored watching this team this year.  How many losses this year would you characterize as getting beat?   Not many.    MU has had chances in nearly every loss.     When the team is moving the ball and shooting well, it is just a joy to watch offensively.    It all comes down to whether MU can play enough defense and shoot well.   If the answer to both of those is 'yes', MU can compete with a whole lot of teams.   When MU plays really bad defense and goes cold...... well, then you have double digit second half leads blown and chat-board meltdowns.      Going forward, of course I a rooting for MU to be playing for a few more weeks, but honestly, if MU gets in, everything after that is house money.   

2.

Can you believe that just days ago he was a mere 17 years old?

[mileskishnish72]

Very happy to be dancing. Did not think it would happen after pissing away big leads and gagging at the end of some games. Kudos to the kids (and the coaches) for firming up and finishing well. Hoping our momentum carries through this week.

[mileskishnish72]

Bitched for years about getting wasted on 3's. Wailed as well about missing FT's.

Now we are elite in those areas and I'm pissed about the lousy defense. Some people are never happy. Looking forward to see how our biggish incoming class will help with our shortcomings.

[AZWarrior]

If I had said in October that MU would be successful with a line up of Heldt, Hauser, Duane, Rowsey, and Markus, would anyone have believed me?

Really good point.

And no, probably not.   

[WarriorFan]

Wojo not only adjusted but set us up nicely for next year.  5 returning starters!  What other tournament caliber team will have that luxury???
If Cheatham develops well in the off season he could be a great D and 3 6th man.  Sacar comes back and contributes - and we don't have to worry about Freshmen or transfers 1-7... unless they beat out someone!

[muwarrior69]

Wojo not only adjusted but set us up nicely for next year.  5 returning starters!  What other tournament caliber team will have that luxury???
If Cheatham develops well in the off season he could be a great D and 3 6th man.  Sacar comes back and contributes - and we don't have to worry about Freshmen or transfers 1-7... unless they beat out someone!

Have not all 6 returning players started at some point?

[GGGG]

Have not all 6 returning players started at some point?

Every scholarship player, including Traci Carter, started at least one game this year except for Sandy Cohen.

Of the remaining scholarship players, the players with the least starts were Katin (4), Duane (5) and Heldt (5).

[g0lden3agle]

Every scholarship player, including Traci Carter, started at least one game this year except for Sandy Cohen.

Of the remaining scholarship players, the players with the least starts were Katin (4), Duane (5) and Heldt (5).

Man I totally forgot we got away from Katin as a starter so quick.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Pleasant Surprises:
   Andrew Rowsey was better than anticipated.  Given his size and not-overwhelming numbers against upper level competition at UNC-A, I wasn't expecting what we got. Amazingly, I think he is even a better shooter than Markus, if one can say that in comparison to the guy who lead the nation in 3P%.  Difference is, Markus very, very seldom took a forced three, or one where he wasn't squared up, whereas Rowsey put up a fair number of moving, difficult, or just plain heat check 3's.  Rowsey was also fouling frequently at the beginning of the year but cleaned that up as the season went along.

   Luke became a very adequate rebounder.  His rebounding rates had previously been less than mediocre, the team really needed him to step up and he did.

   Sam Hauser:  I'm going to pat myself on the back here in that I was significantly higher on Sam than the board generally was.  I thought he could have the impact similar to sophomore Jimmy Butler (in different ways of course), and Sam clearly exceeded even that.  He was similar in terms of providing unexpected rebounding and getting the most out of his defensive capabilities, and making the other team pay if they ignored him on offense.  Obviously Jimmy's points almost all came from within two feet of the basket and Sam's were from 21+.  Excellent Freshman campaign.

   Markus:  Not much more to be said here, he performed far above what everyone other than perhaps Jay Bee could have expected.  In fact, I'd love to hear from Jay Bee on how Markus' numbers stacked up against his (JB's) pre-season projections.  I suspect even Jay Bee didn't project the offensive numbers Markus put up.

   Wojo:  Does anyone think his coaching hasn't continued to improve over the last three years?  More talent due to recruiting successes, sure, but he also continued to evolve and adjust, with noticeably better results. Expecting him to be equivalent to Jay Wright, Coach K, or even Buzz—guys who all have significantly more experience—is unfair, but the trend is most certainly in the right direction.

Slight Disappointments
   JJJ:  Seems like JJJ just is allergic to sticking with what can make him the most successful.  After his surge at the end of last year when he finally began playing within himself, I was hoping or expecting him to build on that.  Instead, it seemed like a streak of success would actually trigger him to fall back into his old, bad habits.  Even in yesterday's game he had a brilliant sequence in the first 10 minutes followed by: behind the back dribble into traffic in the lane (turnover), a heat check contested three from 26 feet on the first pass of the possession, the missed dunk, and a lengthy period of lackadaisical defense that happens so often after he has had a good offensive run.

   Haanif's Meltdown:  Really unfortunate to see Cheatham's initial decline and then complete drop into the abyss.  Going from starting 60+ games to start your college career to being so ineffective that you can barely scratch out any minutes had to be extremely painful for him personally.  Hope he can strongly rebound next year.  For a while, even as his offense evaporated he was still valuable defensively and on the boards, but by the end he was entering Sandy Cohen territory.

   Speaking of Sandy...disappointing that he couldn't carve out a niche as a defensive specialist at the 3 and 4 and provide what we expected we'd need in terms of rebounding, but when the walk-ons are outscoring you—0-4 from the field before he left including a bricked, wide open layup—it's time for a fresh start.  Good luck Sandy, we appreciated you sticking with the time when they badly you needed you after Buzz abandoned ship.

   Traci:  Not really a disappointment here, it just turned out that both Markus and Rowsey were significantly better overall.  No doubt Traci could have helped defensively, but both his and Sandy's transfers were net positives for the team as they were no longer taking playing time from more talented players.

[g0lden3agle]

   Traci:  Not really a disappointment here, it just turned out that both Markus and Rowsey were significantly better overall.  No doubt Traci could have helped defensively, but both his and Sandy's transfers were net positives for the team as they were no longer taking playing time from more talented players.

I wonder if Wojo would have eventually experimented with making sure 2 of Traci/Markus/Rowsey were on the court at all times.  I would imagine that move would have yielded similar results to the recent decision to start both Markus and Rowsey, and would have shown Traci that it was possible for him to continue to have solid minutes on this team. 

In any event we are solid at the PG position for at least one more year.

[mu_hilltopper]

If I had said in October that MU would be successful with a line up of Heldt, Hauser, Duane, Rowsey, and Markus, would anyone have believed me?

The success this year is entwined with MU's fantastic three-point shooting. 

Heldt, Hauser, Duane, Rowsey, Marcus is a failure under average circumstances.  Add in 43% 3 point shooting, best in the country?    Success.     

I'm reminded of that Bull Durham quote:

Know what the difference between hitting .250 and .300 is? It's 25 hits. 25 hits in 500 at bats is 50 points, okay? There's 6 months in a season, that's about 25 weeks. That means if you get just one extra flare a week - just one - a gorp... you get a groundball, you get a groundball with eyes... you get a dying quail, just one more dying quail a week... and you're in Yankee Stadium.


MU gets that one extra dying quail per week and it makes up for gross deficiencies in other areas.